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A bridge over a canal with trees

What is Respect The Water?

Respect The Water is a national campaign by National Water Safety Forum that helps people enjoy the water safely. It runs throughout the year, but with a focus on the busy spring and summer months, providing lifesaving advice for anyone spending time in, on or close to the water.

A pier and a beach by the sea

Who are the National Water Safety Forum?

The National Water Safety Forum (NWSF) is a collaborative and integrated network of the UK’s leading experts in drowning prevention. It provides a collective voice for water safety organisations and practitioners across the UK, helping identify and resolve key issues related to drowning for government and communities through education, communication and data-driven research.

WHY WE ARE NEEDED?

The number of deaths by drowning in the UK is still unacceptably high. And it’s not just at the coast – 60% of drownings happen inland in rivers, canals, lakes, reservoirs and quarries. Of these deaths, many of the victims never intended to enter the water and over of them were male.

Inland open waters, such as rivers, canals, lakes, reservoirs and quarries continue to be the leading locations with 62 per cent of deaths (N=168)

Males continue to over represent with 83 per cent of deaths (N=230)

40 per cent of people had no intention to enter the water, such as those walking, with causes including slips, trips and falls, being cut off by the tide, or swept in by waves (N=107)

CAMPAIGNS

Our campaigns encourage people to respect the water, educating them how to enjoy the water safely and what to do in an emergency. We know our members campaigns have helped save lives in the past, and by working more closely together we hope to save many more in future.

Contact Us

For more information, you can get in touch with us by filling out the form on the link below.